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You have probably heard the saying: "the dog days of summer." People typically refer to the hottest months of summer (July and August) as 'the dog days' because of the warm temperatures.

Although for most, this winter has not seen the extreme cold temperatures many are accustom to, but for many students, winter can be extremely long. It is easy for students to let their attention span in class slide as well watch their energy level towards doing school work slip away.

So, as you experience the long 'dog days' of winter (January and February) what can you do? Here are three helpful tips to keep you motivated.

First of all, when facing the dog days of winter, you'll want to remember to D-UP! Here's how...

1. Direction

Simply stated, know where you want to go. In other words, revisit the goals you set at the beginning of the school year and see if you're still on track. If not, reevaluate your goals to see if they are still realistic and that you're able to accomplish them. Nothing is more demoralizing than having unrealistic goals or expectations. Know what you want and what you're going to have to do to accomplish that. Yes, even during the long, cold winter months!

2. Dedication

It's one thing to know where you want to go; it's another thing to have the drive to get there. You can have the most expensive and fastest sports car in your driveway, but if you don't have an engine in it, it's not going to go very far. Winter tends to be the time when students lose their drive. They lose their ambition for completing their reading assignments. They simply want to tune out and start thinking about spring. Be Careful! You are more than half way through your 'school race' so simply refuel your mind and motivation and decide you're going to finish like you started - Be Dedicated to the mission or goals you've set.

3. Determination

It's great to know where you are going and have the drive to get there, but if run out of gas before arriving, what good is that? I know it's hard to get out of bed in the morning when it is still dark. I know it is frustrating when you finally get out of school and it is almost dark again. Hang in there! Remember the squirrel. They gather their nuts during the fall and bury them for the long winter months because that is their food source. They must be determined to work hard in order to live. If you want to finish the school year strong and with good grades, you have to persevere when you feel like quitting. D-up! You can do it!